INTRODUCTION

Contours is a project to map and shape the contours of debates, experiences, concerns, and aspirations around the intersection of women and the law. It is a space for women’s voices and an invitation for us all to be in conversation.

Founded in 2012, this publication responds to our concern that male voices still dominate classroom discussions, men still outnumber women in positions of power in firms and the judiciary, and the law itself continues in many ways to be disproportionately influenced by male concerns. It was born out of our desire to create a safe space in which to have, in the public sphere, those conversations so often limited to private interactions. Women’s personal stories of our experiences with the law, inquiries into issues or themes that inspire us, anger us, or touch us, and artistic expression also, in our view, deserve a place for public expression.

While our contributors may share similar concerns, Contours also serves as a venue for us to become newly aware of others’ ideas and experiences. That the title of our publication will necessarily be interpreted differently by each contributor and reader mirrors the ways in which we all have different perspectives on women’s complex relationship with the law.

Contours is made possible by funding from the McGill Law Students’ Association / L’Association des étudiant-e-s en droit de McGill. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from the authors.